Veteran politician Mary O’Rourke is giving her backing to ‘gutsy’ candidate Simon Coveney to become the next Taoiseach.

The Housing Minister is going head-to-head with West Dublin TD Leo Varadkar for the top job as party members have their say.

The majority of TDs and senators rallied behind Varadkar to become the new leader of Fine Gael - and the country.

However, Simon Coveney doggedly refused to bow out of the race early and has since gained more support.

Former Fianna Fail deputy O’Rourke, who has worked with both men in the Dail, revealed on Monday that she is “more wary of Leo Varadkar”.

The 80-year-old admitted: “I was in the Dail with both of those men so I know them rather well.”

Asked by host Sean O’Rourke on RTE Radio 1 if she agrees that Leo Varadkar has more ‘star quality’, Mrs O’Rourke replied: “Yes, but sometimes star quality has a hidden undergrowth in it. But I don’t have a vote so it really doesn’t matter.”

“He would take no prisoners. All those who said they’re going to vote for him...if he wins...and they’re saying ‘Leo, I voted for you..and expecting certain roles’...he would say ‘thanks for voting for me, now we’re going to have a vote in the Dail.’

“I think really I have to stand back and say that I think Simon Coveney would make, for the long-term, a better Taoiseach.

“I think he’s got guts. He showed a great trait when he picked himself up, dusted himself down and got moving.

“I don’t know whether it was his wife or Michael Noonan but he suddenly found himself and his voice.

“He went to the hustings and I thought he was very spirited and sincere. I’m sure that Leo Varadkar’s been the same.”

The grandmother from Athlone, Co Westmeath said she still feels young despite turning 80 this week.

She added: “I am 80 but in my mind I’m not 80. I feel like a 50-year-old. Now I’ve pains in my legs and I’m slowing down but not to put me away from anything.”

She also says she doesn’t think about her mortality.

“I could die coming out of here today, I don’t think of it (ageing) like that,” she reflected.